How to Decrease Blood Glucose Level

Blood glucose reaches its highest level approximately two hours after a meal. The post-meal blood glucose level ideally should stay below 140 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dl) although high blood sugar usually is defined as 180 mg/dl. You can lower your blood sugar level through diet and exercise, but you also might need medication to treat severe high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Blood glucose meter

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut back on the sugar in your diet. Dietary sugars such as table sugar and fruit sugar break down into glucose very quickly during digestion and can cause your blood sugar to rise sharply. Your doctor might recommend that you completely eliminate sugar from your diet if you're severely hyperglycemic.

• 2

  Eat smaller meals and use a blood glucose meter to check your blood sugar level after each meal. A large meal can increase your blood sugar level significantly, especially if it's high in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are converted into glucose relatively easily, so you might need to eat more protein if you have hyperglycemia.

• 3

  Eat more fiber. Dietary fiber can reduce blood glucose, and you should eat a minimum of 50 grams of fiber each day to keep your blood sugar in check. Fruits and vegetables are the most common sources of fiber.

• 4

  Exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise benefits your cardiovascular system and lowers your blood sugar by using it as an energy source during sustained exercise. Good choices for aerobic exercise include bicycling, running and brisk walking. You need to ensure that your urine does not contain ketones with a ketone test strip, if your blood glucose level is greater than 240 mg/dl.

• 5

  Inject insulin after a meal as recommended by your doctor. Insulin lowers your blood glucose level by causing your body's cells to absorb glucose. It might be necessary for family members or medical personnel to administer insulin in an emergency.